| Cover Page Document | Nov. 07, 2019 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000907254 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 5, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | SAUL CENTERS, INC. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | MD |
| Entity File Number | 1-12254 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 52-1833074 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 7501 Wisconsin Avenue |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Bethesda |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MD |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 20814 |
| City Area Code | 301 |
| Local Phone Number | 986-6200 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Common Stock, Par Value $0.01 Per Share | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, Par Value $0.01 Per Share |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Trading Symbol | BFS |
| Depositary Shares each representing 1/100th of a share of 6.125% Series D Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, Par Value $0.01 Per Share | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Depositary Shares each representing 1/100th of a share of 6.125% Series D Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, Par Value $0.01 Per Share |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Trading Symbol | BFS/PRD |
| Series E Preferred Stock [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Depositary Shares each representing 1/100th of a share of 6.000% Series E Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, Par Value $0.01 Per Share |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Trading Symbol | BFS/PRE |
